Tag: Capricorn

As we explore the structure that’s Venus in Capricorn, we do so with the understanding that Venus can’t be reduced or limited exclusively to “love” in one’s birth chart. There are far more associations which accompany the planet. However, for the purpose of this particular article, one’s idea of love, as viewed through the Venus in Capricorn lens, will be emphasized.

For individuals with the natal placement of Venus in Capricorn, Love is solid; you can take it to the bank. Love is enduring . Love is order. Love is structure. There are “rules” to love. Love is responsibility. Love is commitment. Love is a test. Love is integrity. Love is discipline. Love is work. Love is maturity, and like fine wine, gets better with time.

Love is the neutralizing of one’s defense mechanisms in order to open up the heart space. In the words of Edwin Louis Cole:

“Boundaries are meant to protect life, not to limit pleasures.”

Two essential developmental questions for those with Venus placed in Capricorn would be: (1) What are my ultimate responsibilities in regard to my intimate relationships and (2) How can I become a model of integrity in my relationships allowing thought, word and deed to masterfully align?

It’s clear that this is a serious situation when the fulfilling of Venus’ relating needs are sought by way of the Saturn-ruled Capricorn environment. However, in this case, serious merely means that it requires immediate and skillful attention.

Contained in this placement, is an overarching strength in understanding the importance of delayed gratification and the awareness that REAL and ORGANIC relationship processes take TIME and WORK. If there’s anyone capable of sustaining long-term relationships, it is you.

In order to successfully navigate this placement, one must be willing to exert the necessary effort towards fostering which will likely be fewer relationships (as compared to many) of quality, substance and depth.

The focus here is not light and unfettered social butterfly-ism (see the elaboration of Robert Greene’s rule 16 in his “48 Laws of Power, which states that “too much circulation makes the price go down.”), but rather the establishment of solid foundations with others that build bridges of trust, honesty and mutual respect.

To facilitate this process, it’s key to understand the all important part that the lowering of one’s defenses and self-revelation plays in its overall effectiveness. For Venus in Capricorn, the thawing of a natural reserve can be difficult for a few reasons.

Concerning the more maladaptive expressions of Venus in Capricorn, Astrologer Jeffrey Wolf Green introduces a possible theory which outlines delayed emotional development and an intense blockage, constriction and compression of one’s feelings, as a result of induced guilt from the parental relationship:

“The Venus in Capricorn person has typically been born into family structures in which the parental reality has been defined by the consensus of the society in which they live. Consequently, the parental reality has typically had a heavy undertone in which the child has been expected to conform to the parental value system. When the child deviated from these expectations to conform, he or she was made to feel guilty in covert or overt ways through the use of judgment. A related dynamic within the general pattern of expectation to conform to parental values is one wherein the parents have projected on the child a rigid code of conduct that the child is expected to adhere to even when the parents themselves do not. The cliché “Do as I say, not as I do applies here.”

What can be gathered from this is that the Venus in Capricorn individual may have witnessed, and or been a part of an environment where vulnerability, open affection and free relating were not top priorities, but rather ” conditional love from a distance” and an authoritarian stance reigned supreme.

When we consider how this may filter into ones intimate relationships at worst, we arrive at an unremarkable need to “manage” one’s image and relationships borne out of an excessive fear of rejection or feeling inadequately “prepared” to participate in relationships. The compensation for this is to view relationships as a “game” where strategic moves, or having a “one up” carry more value than a mutual sharing of intimate feelings and thoughts.

Nevertheless, for those with Venus in Capricorn the universe’s call is for them to participate in the process of “undefended love”, a term coined by Marlena Lyons and Jett Psaris:

“Intimacy-direct, unmediated, heart-to-heart connection with ourselves and with others-can only occur when the heart is undefended. To cut through our personal differences, to reach the unveiled part of ourselves that is deep enough to express the most profound and untamed aspects of our being means learning how to love and be loved without defenses and without obstructions. It means cultivating the capacity to be emotionally present even when we feel exposed or vulnerable; learning to relinquish the many strategies we have employed to feel safe and in control; and finding the courage to love without guarantees or requirements.”

Like anything else, these things take time. So, it wouldn’t be fitting with the Saturn and Capricorn archetype, if one was expected to snap into this mode of being overnight. However, the greater lesson which can be learned through conscious and active participation with this placement is :

When you, the Venus in Capricorn individual, keep your heart open, you’re able to continue an unrestricted conversation with the source which moves you toward loving and constructive actions as well as healthy choices which will nourish you emotionally.

It’s important for you to keep your “feeling portals” open, as well as your mind, and to be consistently receptive to the myriad of life’s experiences.

Developing an inner dialogue with yourself allows you to stay in the “driver’s seat” and define your own experiences and attitudes when it comes to life, love, and relationships.

If you allow unpleasant experiences with one (or more) individual(s) to control the manner in which you live and love moving forward, you’ve essentially “given up the wheel” in favor of living in perpetual fear and doubt.

It’s vital that through your growth you increase your awareness.

And, it’s gravely important for you to avoid using temporarily unfavorable outcomes as a platform for beating up on yourself. A more constructive move would be to combine your newly discovered insights with your inner wisdom and allow the synthesis to reflect in your unique life perspectives moving forward.

Even through your pain and heartbreak you will discover a marvelous teacher. Pain shows us where our limits are, allowing us to say “ouch”.

If nothing led you to this point, how would you know what hurts? Better yet, how would you know when enough is enough?

As horrible as you may have felt (or may be feeling) during trying times, if you wish to fully participate in life and loving in the most authentic sense, sooner or later, you must risk the same painful emotions resurfacing in your life.

You could possibly spend the rest of your days attempting to employ more sophisticated tactics of pain avoidance, projection, self-protection, and the like. However, by all indicators, this is not what you truly desire to do.

With Venus in Capricorn, one of the best case scenarios is that you’ll arrive in a place which demonstrates that neither genuine honesty and vulnerability or healthy human boundaries restrict you from experiencing the love and relationships you crave and deserve.

It is through these boundaries that you maintain and preserve your self-love and respect while simultaneously allowing yourself to reach out and offer the key to your heart, as a sacred gift, to another.

If you have Venus in Capricorn in your birth Chart, your theme song is “Garden (Say it Like Dat)” by SZA. You can listen right here:

In an individual birth chart, when the Sun is in Capricorn and the Moon in Scorpio, there’s the potential unfolding of an authoritative administrator in the material world synthesized with an emotional strategist. This combination suggests that playing the cards close to the vest is the order of the day.

There’s an astute way in which adversity, crisis and danger can be faced, both as an unflappable stoic and a reliable “rock”. The challenge with this combination is to keep the channels of flow and experience open, as not to become too tightly bound with rigid and static controls which can lead to repressed elements, which may emerge as projections on others.

The optimal type of fuel for this individual to operate on is one of ever increasing opportunities to achieve status and become recognized for hard work and ambition; to embark on developmental tasks which lead to the concretization of ideals.

This fuel is blended with a personality form which needs to plumb the depths of it’s emotional body; to grasp its interior world and psyche at very profound levels with the hopes of severely minimizing superficial experiences.

One of the ideas surrounding Astrology is that everything has a birth.Whether it’s a person or an event, the placement of the planets at any given moment in time reflects the nature of that moment and whatever is born will embody the qualities of that particular time.

To say that August 11, 1973 changed the world would be a gross understatement.

What initially began as Cindy Campbell’s end of summer/back to school Jam for a few children in a rec room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, turned into her brother, Clive Campbell, better known as Kool Herc, hot wiring the base of a street lamp to juice up his Herculoid speakers for three thousand people. The party eventually had to be moved from Sedgwick to Cedar Park. (Source: Joe Conzo)

Since this time, a large number of us have witnessed hip hop expand into a culture of mythic proportions.

There are very few parts of the world or avenues of expression which hip hop hasn’t affected and we see it’s influence alive and well every day as we board the subway trains, listen to our radios, turn on our ipods, or flip the channels on the television remote.

All of this being said, the questions are: how has hip hop handled this massive growth and transition? What’s next for the culture? Will the jam at Sedgwick ave always have a place in its heart?

Hip hop was born on August 11, 1973 at 9:00 pm in the Bronx, NY (the birth time came from a flyer advertising the party).

With it’s charts’ hemispheric emphasis being in the west, there’s the necessity to interact with others.

Hip Hop culture is about participation. It’s subject to what individuals have to contribute to it via their unique style and flavor.

Also, with some planets in the east, the life of hip hop culture is conditioned by ego justification: not only is it about participation, but also who’s the baddest, freshest, dopest and illest.

With the blend of the Sun in Leo and the Moon in Capricorn, hip hop’s life force is fueled by creative self-expression, ego acknowledgement and validation of it’s identity.

It desires to be noticed as a shining and authoritative force in the world. This is reflected in a personality form which has a reigning need for status and recognition. It’s nourished by it’s influence over the masses, it’s ambition and the ability to make things happen.

The Pisces Ascendant suggest that it’s thrust into the world is a unitive one. Seeking to dissolve boundaries and barriers between individuals and link into the oneness of the collective.

However, in many instances, there is an element of camouflage and some of the energy surrounding the culture isn’t as it appears to be.

The Sun’s placement in the 6th house indicates that the self-expressive and stylistic renderings of Leo would be best served in a field of experience which promotes service to others. Furthermore, the pursuance of becoming master of one’s craft and offering that as one’s work is highly pronounced.

Mercury in Leo’scommunication needs center around oratorical flamboyance and the unquestioning self-assurance which makes heroes and heroines.

Mercury is trine Neptune which suggests a free flowing infusion of idealism, creative visualization and lyrical flow. There’s a solid strength in the ability to paint pictures with words.

However, this can easily escape into the world of fantasy, smokescreens and delusion. The direct opposite of the “keep it real” mentality that has pervaded the culture for so many years. Additionally, Mercury’s wide opposition to Jupiter further enhances the vibe of persuasive, yet grandiose and excessive verbal messages.

Continuing along the lines of communication, Uranus, Pluto and Venus in the Mercury ruled 7th house suggests that the manner in which hip hop relates to the public has the potential to be highly artistic and creative with shockingly transformative overtones.

Venus in Virgo’s tight square to the Sagittarius Midheaven is indicitave of developmental tension between the purity of culture which hip hop seeks to preserve and the universal face it wishes to present to the world as it’s crowning achievement.

There are regular and sometimes volatile discussions about what staying true to “pure” hip hop culture actually means. So, this might result in the dynamic of large scale striving in the world with less thought of hip hop’s efficient functioning or competence when placed in a social and relational context.

Jupiter’s placement in Aquarius outlines that the rewards for hip hop come through it’s innovation and thinking outside the box.

The ability to push the envelope when it comes to convention and to assert it’s “voice” with courage and emotional fervor as the Moon square to Mars indicates.

However, the flip side of the coin is to strike the balance between it’s obvious business needs (Moon in Capricorn) and it’s desire to apply energy in the world aggressively and sometimes without caution (Mars in Aries).

Tying up the chart, the nodal axis in Capricorn/Cancer means that a balance must be achieved between the deep attunement to roots,culture and security (Cancer) and it’s potential to affect progress and span a broader base of influence (Capricorn).

The difficult questions continue to remain about how hip hop becoming more corporate and commercial has effected the familial environment it was birthed in on Sedgwick Avenue.

Again, as hip hop’s Pisces Ascendant suggests, it presents itself to the world in an inspirational fashion, but the actual reality appears to be much more nebulous and something which can’t be readily grasped at this time. Only time will tell which direction the culture is headed.

“Thoughts are things, so we find that different kinds of thoughts become different kinds of things. Thought is always creative; it must always create after its own type. It must always give form to something, and the something to which it gives form is not a thing of itself because the thought that creates the form is the product of the thinker. The thinker comes first, then the thought, and then the form.”

-Ernest Holmes

To many of us, how the thought world operates is somewhat elusive. We may view the material manifestation of events and circumstances as purely “happenstance” or find some other type of rationalization as to why things are the way they are.

There are many alternate ways of considering how the world around us works, and this is one of the life tasks or missions of the Capricorn Sun, Gemini Moon individual:

to embrace a insatiable curiosity and multi-faceted inquiry regarding the manner in which your personal thought and concept selection influences your reality.

This Sun/Moon blend suggests that one has the potential for self-mastery and authority through diversifying life experiences and exposure to a multitude of viewpoints and perspectives. In addition to the contact with variety, one also needs to recognize, confront and navigate the duality that presents itself within ideas you choose to explore.

The fuel which Capricorn requires to function optimally is strategic and administrative. Devising a system of progressive steps to reach a desired goal or “bottom line.” The solar light is reflected by a personality that has the need for choices and variation. The individual is fulfilled through variation and the absence of monotony.

The questions which come from this combination center around results; what’s visible as a demonstration of one’s mental abilities. The ultimate goal is to structure one’s life-force through the use of the intellect, adaptability and the capacity to build structures that last.

A dysfunctional expression of this combination is one who lacks discipline and focus.

There’s a distinct difference between having a variety of legitimate interests and only sticking with something until the euphoric newness wears off and then flitting to the next thing which captures your momentary attention.

In this case, “so many interests” may be used as a smokescreen for actually getting down to work; to facing the internal organization it takes to map out a successful game plan.

When operating effectively, there’s an establishment of a concentrative center and stamina within the intellectual sphere. One is aware of their ability to select their thoughts,just like they do their meals or their clothes. There’s not only the realization that “garbage in equals garbage out”, but a self-appointed responsibility toward mental productivity, with the aspirations toward producing palpable success.

With this Sun/Moon blend, your theme song is : “Mental Stamina” by Jeru The Damaja featuring Afu Ra. You can listen here:

I think it’s fair to say that many of us get enthusiastic over big ideas. We become excited at the grandeur of vision which comes with huge dreams and large scale enterprises. However, there always comes a day where we must begin to draw up the plans as to how we’re actually going to bring our visions to fruition in the material world. This undoubtedly requires work, structure, organization and strategy. When the Sagittarius Sun and Capricorn Moon combine. The marriage of the ideal and the real presents itself.

In an individual birth chart when the Sun is in Sagittarius and the Moon in Capricorn the life energy which stimulates this person consists of a fundamental need to find meaning in his or her experiences; to view the world from the widest possible vantage point while seeking to identify patterns which exist throughout our universe.

Sagittarius is associated with interrelationships; how one thing is connected to another to ultimately show that we’re all part of the magic thread and grand design of the cosmos. In the midst of all of this questing, the most important piece to the archer is that the answers reflect a significance which can be weaved into a dynamic and comprehensive life philosophy.

Plain and simple-Sagittarius requires MORE. The Archer’s eyes are WIDE. Their modus operandi is continuous expansion which leads to MORE knowledge and MORE experience, which leads to a wider scope and an enormously rich existence.

The Capricorn Moon uses the light of the Sagittarius Sun and reflects an individual whose personality needs structure. They need to control their environment and get things done. Also, the Moon placed in Capricorn has an extremely practical orientation so to say that “results” matter” would be an understatement.

Receiving the rewards and status that come as a result of hard work and a job well done is an emotional need for those with the Moon in Capricorn. If they’re not given their just due for their accomplishments, they won’t be fulfilled. This is a no nonsense “nose to the grindstone” placement which espouses the philosophy that there’s nothing worth having which comes easily. There’s tremendous potential to exert the discipline to delay short term gratification in favor of long term success.

Tension can often exist between this Sun/Moon combination because the expansive Sagittarian energy is met squarely by the restrictive limits and controls of Capricorn, or so this SEEMS to be the case.

When examined more closely, the Capricorn Moon is simply providing the organizational channels needed to structure the implementation of high-minded Sagittarian ideals; to bring the archer’s wisdom down to earth so it can be used in real time.

The Sagittarian Sun’s buoyancy also assists Capricorn in obtaining the levity which is sometimes absent because of the sense of isolation which comes with the mountain climbing expedition they’ve chosen for themselves. In fact, at their lowest point Capricorn can turn stiff as a board and begin to totally disregard the feelings of others. Astrologer-Psychologist Glenn Perry Writes:

“The tight controlled responses often lead to loneliness and despair as it prevents the individual from flowing and responding to the changing mood of others. Moon in Capricorn nurtures by taking charge and giving orders. This dry, mechanical approach to feelings is not sympathetic and tends to imply that the other is incompetent. Unable to respond directly to emotional needs, Moon in Capricorn gives the impression of being callous, hardened an unaffected by the tender side of life.”

Fortunately, the life energy of the Sagittarius Sun contains the prescription for the Capricorn Moon blues if the individual will allow for the integration of the cloud’s silver lining and make room for the distinct possibility that work and play can be synthesized.

THIS is grounded wisdom.

If you have this Sun/Moon blend, your theme song is “Doing Something” by Skyzoo. You can listen right here:

This sun/moon combination suggests that emotional and psychological fulfillment comes through harnessing one’s abilities to consolidate resources in the name of personal growth.

The type of fuel your “engine” runs on contains aspirations to gain notice from others through a creative and unique expression of yourself and your gifts. If administrative prowess and personal promotion are blended successfully, there’s potential for the high visibility which comes with leadership, provided that you inspire others through an example of sincerity as opposed to being a walking exercise in ego inflation.

The step by step building of an internal locus of control nourishes you and helps you to ground your sense of authority. If your heart space is well-organized, the beaming light which accompanies your charisma has the potential to shine though in order to gain the personal recognition which you seek.

One of your keys to becoming a well-integrated person is to take responsibility for everything that you are. To recognize your strengths as well as your limitations and how to responsibly and effectively live within them.

When you “walk the talk”, you feel as if you’re standing on a firm foundation and there are no contradictions in your thoughts, words or deeds. In turn, this affords you the insight that you never have to settle for less than you deserve in your personal relationships or dealings with others.

In essence, you’re self-validated and don’t feel guilty about asking for, or pursuing what you want.

To be viewed by society as a “good” person,i.e. someone who is generally fair, kind and humane is what fuels your life force. You want to be well-liked and structure communication with others on the basis of building bridges of understanding rather than raising points of contention.

What makes you feel alive is knowing that you’re continually refining the art of human interaction and you improve upon this through a sincere interest in people. Being in your presence makes others feel understood and listened to.

Life structure is one of your primary emotional needs. You need to know that no matter what you’re “going somewhere”. An organized plan of action and personal development has the potential to nourish your desire to achieve in a tangible way. Having something to show for your discipline and efforts is a must.

What needs to be understood is that in the midst of life “business”, everyone may not walk away from the table happy. You will find yourself in situations where practical decisions may have to trump social relationships.

Your cordiality and diplomacy is in no way designed to offset your need to deal with the bottom line or bare bones of a situation. In fact, it’s purpose is to smooth out what may otherwise be rough terrain when you’re the bearer of unpleasant news.

On the flip side, with your potential to lead and manage you’re being called to display a “personal impersonality”. Never losing the human touch, yet distancing yourself enough as to not allow relationships to hold you hostage.

You are being challenged to remain resolute in your decision making. Holding fast to your logic and integrity while avoiding the traps of flailing in the whirlwind of the social approval scale. Often, you may feel like you have to decide between being true to your principles or being “liked”.

Remember that those who are genuine will respect your firmness and you only had the illusory approval of people who would want to revoke it because of decisions they happen to disagree with.

When a Taurus Sun and Capricorn Moon team up in an individual birth chart there’s a definite suggestion of being grounded in reality. The world which is most “alive” to these sun/moon natives is one of the senses. There’s a solid thrust of material appreciation and administrative know how and practical application are the prescription for one’s well being.

The type of fuel this person needs to ensure their vitality contains a sense of value in life. To feel comfortable about what spiritual and material resources are worth. To be able to effectively measure the effectiveness of the input/output cycle and also enjoy the pleasures of the body all at the same time.

As status is gained, comfort increases.

The solar light of Taurus is reflected by a Capricorn Moon, which comes in the personality packaging of someone who has a need for integrity; to be undivided. They’re nourished when what they think, say and do is rarely at variance.

Not only is their personal satisfaction and fulfillment gained, but there’s a longer term strategy and vision to serve as a model for others when it comes to that sphere of life.

One of the most constructive expressions of this sun/moon combination is planning and strategizing, charting one’s progress every step of the way. Realizing that although the steps may be less swift, they’re more permanent and built on a solid foundation. To exhibit patience and the willingness to delay short term gratification for the eventual honor and prestige that’s sure to result from discipline and heady calculation.

When operating dysfunctionally, there’s an intense challenge for balance in this combination.

There’s either a “nose to the grindstone” over-work ethic filled with ruthless ambition or ultra-relaxed borderline slothful periods of rest and wallowing in creature comforts. Fully starched in business attire or butt naked watching american idol.

Those with this combination must remember that our achievements don’t really mean as much if we don’t take the time out to actually enjoy them. Our celebration doesn’t have to come in isolation either, it can exist with those with whom we share mutual caring and support; those who we love and trust.

It’s through those interactions that you will continue to summon the strength to be the rock of integrity which serves as the blueprint for future generations.

Displaying stellar consistency no matter what situation you might find yourself in. Through the successful implementation of integrity, you will grow to build a solid reputation as a role model. Someone who people trust. A solid example for others to emulate.

This is not an easy task. For emphasis, I want to repeat that again:

this is NOTan easy task.

Capricorn is symbolized by the mountain goat. Growing from acorn to oak tree is the mountain that you must climb. This requires the delay of short-term gratification in favor of making slow and steady progress toward more long lasting and significant achievements.

Even when you do reach the top of this mountain, you may find yourself with very little company.

Capricorn’s must recognize that true leadership has it’s price.

However, being alone doesn’t have to equate with being lonely. By using your times of solitude strategically, this allows you to plan, organize and structure short and long-term goals which will allow you to reach even greater heights.

Gaining integrity is a lifelong process. It requires that you trust your innerauthority, discipline yourself and engage in a tremendous amount of self-honesty.

Capricorn: You were born to fulfill this task. Always remember that no matter what happens, your true worth will always be measured by your internalevaluation system.

When I think about the Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon combination, both the image and idea of bluechip stocks comes to mind.

The reason why people to choose to invest in these stocks and the energy which provides stimulus to earth signs are very similar: a reputation for quality, stability, maturity and a steadiness which can withstand dips between high and low in both the economy and life in general. Essentially, this Sun-Moon blend is stationed on solid ground.

In a birth chart, when the Sun is placed in Capricorn and the Moon in Taurus, the individual is fueled by making things happen in an authoritative capacity. Managing, directing and controlling. Straight up running the show,whether this is from an external point of view as a CEO or an internal focus of self-mastery.

In this placement, the life energy is geared toward leading by example and bearing the standard of integrity and responsibility, which means aligning thoughts, words and actions consistently as well as responding to the life conditions that one has created in a constructive manner. There’s also a motivation to achieve and receive status and recognition for one’s accomplishments which have come as a result of hard work,discipline and perseverance.

Capricorn energy lends itself toward having the patience in order to climb even the highest mountain to the pinnacle of success. They don’t just want to show up to the party, they want to be the best. In their mind, if they were going to be average, they could’ve just stayed at home.

As reflected by the Taurus Moon, this individuals emotional and personality needs are to uphold the status quo. To infuse a familiarity into the state of affairs. This is because once they’ve found a “formula” for certain ways of doing and being, they prefer to stick with what works.

As a matter of fact, the bull finds a certain beauty in this simplicity. Nothing fancy, just the appreciation of the sensual pleasures of life, building and maintaining financial and spiritual wealth.

The desire for Taurean comfort also stems from it’s correlation to safety. if one stays in the realm of the known, then there’s a greater likelihood that the more unfamiliar elements of life which disturb predictability can be kept at arms length. Unfortunately, more value is often placed on having the situation remain the same rather than if it’s actually favorable or unfavorable.

It may help individuals with this Sun-Moon blend to possibly reframe their ideas about what constitutes true security. To consider that the process of change holds just as much potential to transform and enrich life as it does to harm or disturb it.

Also, just because we may have committed to a particular plan or focus in the past doesn’t mean that we’re hopelessly bound to traveling in that direction. We have the freedom to shift as situational and environmental factors reveal themselves.

Strategies can be elastic. You’re capable diversify your portfolio of life options.

Just because a certain system “works” doesn’t mean that it’s going to continue to. After all, people and times have a way of changing, and too much riding on the waves of the familiar can certainly create the element of inertia, which is formally defined as:

” A property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted on by some external force.”

This Sun-Moon combination can work most optimally by taking calculated risks and employing flexible strategies for living. By periodic assessments of their operational methods. Evaluating based on their effectiveness rather than their familiarity.

I’ve been a fan of Hip Hop Artist A.Z. ever since he made his debut on Nas’ “Illmatic” album. Right here, he’s collaborated with the eclectic producer Rodney Hazard on the track “Vintage”, which captures the spirit of this Sun/Moon blend. Please enjoy: